Sergio Ramos: “We need the fans to get behind us in Lisbon"

“They were there for us in the Copa del Rey final and we have the same faith in them as they have in us", declared the defender.

Real Madrid will take on Atlético in the Champions League final and Sergio Ramos analysed the match that could finish with the club's Tenth title on the Bwin website: “We're not putting pressure on ourselves. And we're not obsessing about it either. It's more about the excitement we feel at having the chance to win the Champions League and of being able to share that excitement with our fans, because many years have now passed without us winning this much-beloved title”.

“The fans are of fundamental importance to us. They showed us that in the final of the Copa del Rey, when they really lifted us. We have complete faith in them, the same way they have faith in us, because they know we are capable of bringing the Tenth title home. We need that enthusiasm, that love and that support from the fans, and for them to get behind in Lisbon, just like they did in Mestalla”.

His first Champions League final
“This is a unique experience. It is a reward for all the hard work and sacrifice over so many years. Although, we look it from the perspective of the group, this is the payoff for the work the team has put in throughout the last few years, during which time we hadn't been fortunate enough to reach the final. At last the time has come to experience this amazing moment”.

Ancelotti's role
“Apart from being the boss, the skipper, the captain of the ship, he's a friend and he understands us perfectly. That makes the job a lot easier and it lifts your self-esteem and confidence. In this sense he's one of the main reasons behind the great season that Madrid has had, fighting for the league until the end, winning the Copa del Rey and now having the chance to play in the Champions League final”.

HAVING BEEN A FOOTBALLER, ANCELOTTI UNDERSTANDS WHAT WE NEED AT ALL TIMES.

“Experience is always an advantage; it's important and it helps you if you have had similar experiences, to deal with others like a Champions League final. It can help you to feel a bit calmer, but not relaxed”.

His great season
“It's always great to end a season in a very good state mentally. Physically I'm also in very good shape and, in front of the goal, if I can contribute and add things for the team, then all the better”.

“But although we all excel individually, what's important is our teamwork, and all this will help us go into the final at our best”.

Atlético reach the final unbeaten
“Anything can happen in football because it's a game. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose and you have to know how to hit your peak at the right time. You learn a lot from the worst moments, too, and Atlético de Madrid have had an incredible season; they're the current Liga champions”.

Tactical approach
“We'll see who plays. There are still players who may or may not play. It's something for the boss to decide; he's the one who really knows what condition each footballer's in. We'll aim to contribute as much as possible to the team. Against opponents that have a good defensive record we'll try to do some damage with our weapons, our football, and there's no reason to invent new things or change the philosophy that has got us where we are”.